Careers in Chemistry

There are many career opportunities for graduates with a degree in chemistry.  The list below outlines some of the possible fields a chemist might pursue:

• Research and Development. This is one of the principal career options for chemistry majors. By acquiring new knowledge about matter, we can learn to control its behavior. Industrial R&D chemists use this knowledge and control bring new or improved products to market. Positions range from B.S. technicians to Ph.D. project leaders.
• Medicine. As chemists learn to understand the biochemical mechanisms of disease, new treatments will inevitably result. A B.S. degree in chemistry is an excellent preparation for medical school, dental school, veterinary school, or an advanced degree in biochemistry. Our graduates have been admitted to the most competitive medical schools, such as Harvard, Johns Hopkins, and the University of Pennsylvania. Several have won fellowships to pursue combined M.D./Ph.D. degrees.
• Forensic Science. Chemists work for law enforcement organizations in the analysis of crime scene evidence. Very often the outcome of a criminal trial is based on the scientific data provided by a forensic chemist. King's chemistry graduates work for the FBI, DEA, Secret Service, Pennsylvania State Police, and private crime labs.
• Materials. King's College has recently instituted a Chemistry of Materials certificate program. Materials chemists are in high demand among the many companies involved in polymers (plastics), semiconductors, ceramics, glasses, alloys, a new generation composite materials.
• Environmental Science. Chemists work in environmental testing firms, environmental remediation, emission control, chemical safety, and in government regulatory agencies.
  Law The intellectual discipline acquired during a course of study in chemistry is an excellent foundation for legal studies. Chemists with legal training very often apply their technical knowledge in patent law or chemical liability.
• Education. The future of technological advancement in the USA depends critically on preparing superior science teachers at the elementary and secondary levels. In conjunction with the Education Department, we have designed an excellent program resulting in a B.S. degree in chemistry and Pennsylvania state certification in high school teaching. A Master's or Doctoral degree in chemistry permits chemists to teach as professors at the college or university level.
• Drug Design and Discovery. At large firms such as Pfizer or Merck, chemists with a background in organic chemistry investigate drug metabolism and interaction, and develop new drugs. Those trained in physiology investigate the chemical basis for health and illness. Clinical chemists develop new lab tests for diagnosis and treatment. Theoretical chemists help identify drug targets via computer modeling.
• Energy. Chemists are developing improved batteries for electric-powered vehicles, converting coal to cleaner and more efficient fuels, capturing sunlight for electricity or fuel, and discovering other renewable energy methods (fuel cells, hydrogen storage). Chemists are also vitally involved in the nuclear power industry, both as scientists and safety officers.
• Quality Control. At consumer product companies, both raw materials and finished products must be analyzed to ensure that they meet strict specifications. Our graduates have found quality control chemist positions at PP&L, Revlon, Best Foods, McNeil Pharmaceuticals, etc.
• Technical Sales and Service. Manufacturers of scientific instruments or equipment, chemicals, or products based on chemicals require technically trained sales representatives. They also employ chemists to provide on-site problem-solving support to their customers. King's B.S. chemists are employed in this field at Fisher Scientific, Hewlett-Packard, Alltech, etc.
• Consulting. Some chemists act as independent consultants or work for consulting firms. Independent consulting generally requires considerable background and experience in a chemical sub-discipline.
• Technical and Science Writing. Industries require product descriptions, operating manuals, and training materials. Newspapers and magazines employ science writers to present scientific topics at an understandable level for the general public. King's B.S. chemists have the technical training needed to understand the material, and the writing training as well, from the King's College CORE curriculum.
• Business Management. A B.S. in chemistry is an excellent background for a management career in scientific industry. Many chemists enter management after beginning their careers in a technical position. Chemical companies very often pay for subsequent management training (e.g. M.B.A.).
• Pharmaceutical Sales Pharmaceutical companies require scientifically qualified personnel to explain their products to pharmacies and physicians. Graduates with a B.S. in chemistry, especially those with an interest in business or marketing, are in high demand for these positions.
• Government. Many chemists are employed in government civilian and military research laboratories, and at regulatory agencies (FDA, OSHA). Chemists also serve as technical advisors to Congress members and other government offices.
• Art Conservation. A small but interesting field for chemists is the conservation, restoration and authentication of art and artifacts. This is particularly interesting for those with an interest in the arts.